SJPD arrest man for recording children in art, learning center restroom

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A 34-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly using a small recording device to film people, including young children, in a restroom at the San Jose business where he worked, police said.

El Verde Nguyen, a San Jose resident, was arrested after San Jose police on Sunday received a tip about the possible hidden camera at Enlightenment Studio, an art, music and learning studio at 438 Toyon Ave.

Detectives with the Police Department's Internet Crimes Against Children task force responded the next day and found a small recording device in the bathroom, police said.

At least one image involving a child under 10 years old was found and seized as evidence and the FBI was contacted for assistance in looking at the recording device, according to police.

Nguyen was arrested on suspicion of attempting to manufacture child pornography and placing a hidden camera in a restroom, police said.

Enlightenment Studio's website today re-routed to a letter by Anhthu Huynh-Bui on behalf of the business to parents of children who attended classes at the studio.

"We were contacted by San Jose Police Department regarding activity that happened on the premises of the studio. Based on these allegations, the San Jose Police Department is conducting an investigation to determine whether any crimes have been committed," the letter said.

"We regret to inform you that the studio will be closed temporarily throughout the duration of the investigation," the letter said.

"The studio is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the judicial process moves forward. The safety of our students is our priority."